Tributes paid following tragic accident on New Year's Eve

Communities and families are devastated this weekend with the tragic news of the death of three young people.

Tributes are being paid to Shane Gilchrist from Castlepollard, and Saoirse Corrigan from Whitehall, who died following an accident yesterday, Friday December 31.

Ringtown GAA posted this note on their Facebook page: "We are all in shock and devastated with the tragic death of our beautiful friend and club member Saoirse. We remember especially all her family members and her partner Shane, who also sadly died in the accident. RIP.

"May their gentle souls rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha."

Shane was predeceased by his brother Joey. His passing is deeply regretted by his loving mother Trisha, loving father David, brothers Luke, Bryan and Peter, sister Emma, his grandparents Johnny, Maureen, George and Imelda, uncles, aunts, extended family, the hurling community and a wide circle of friends.

Saoirse was predeceased by her grandfather Michael. Her passing is deeply regretted by her loving mother Orlene, loving father Michael, Andy, Keri, brothers Cathal and Cillian, sisters Brónagh and Gráinne, grandparents Michael-John, Josephine and Beatrice, uncles, aunts, extended family, all the staff and students at St Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff and a wide circle of friends.

May Shane's and Saoirse's gentle souls rest in peace.

Garda appeal

Gardaí attended the scene of fatal road traffic collision involving two cars that occurred on the N52, Lloyds, Kells, County Meath, at approximately 4.15pm yesterday, Friday 31 December 2021.

A female in her 20s, the driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, a man in his 20s was treated at scene before being taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. He passed away en route.

A female in her 20s, the driver of the second car, was taken to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown to be treated for her injuries, where she latter passed.

Her passengers, three juveniles, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda, to be treated for their injuries. One has since been transferred to CHI Temple Street.

The road was closed to allow Forensic Collision Investigators to conduct a technical examination of the scene. It has since reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 928 0820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.